Quote

Soft moss a downy pillow makes, and green leaves spread a tent,
Where faerie fold may rest and sleep until their night is spent.
The bluebird sings a lullaby, the firefly gives a light,
The twinkling stars are candles bright, Sleep, Faeries all, Goodnight.
---Elizabeth T. Dillingham "A Faery Song"

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Adventures in Hydroponics

Hello! I can't believe we have had 70 degree temps on Feb 1. If that old groundhog has a sunny day tomorrow maybe we can just forfeit this whole winter to spring. I wanted to share my newest hobby...hydroponic gardening. This was my set up I requested for my birthday. Glen did a good job I think! We researched designs on the internet and he sketched up our own version.

Then it was my turn to figure out exactly how to use it. I am more a fan of rooting cuttings than starting seeds or actually growing entire plants in it. So, I set about finding some cuttings in my yard. A few roses, some camellia, holly twigs and african violet leaves. I prepared them Thanksgiving weekend and transplanted 2 of the roses today.

Here is the best rooted one (although both were good)

I suffered information overload from all the sites recommending "these" nutrients and "that" growing medium. I was eager to get started so I just used what I had...some liquid plant food and some coconut coir. I was dreading a dark cold winter with nothing to putter around with that was garden related. Well the winter really has been mild but I've enjoyed the hydroponic set up just the same. It is situated in my basement underneath our staircase which makes it convenient and out of the way. It contains 28 growing "holes" and the containers I used were just plain clear cups from Wal-mart with holes poked in the sides. By the way..the camellias and holly were a dud. The african violets rooted well. So what are YOU doing till spring??

8 comments:

Dear Serial Tiller, This is a chiller and a thriller. It gave me a tingle to the roots of my hair ;) As a life long mystery reader I am quite envious that I didn't think of your clever name first! It's as good as Sherlock Holmes! BTW did you know Masterpiece Theater has a new modern day Sherlock out on Sunday nights? I bet you are a serial mystery reader as well.

Thanks! I'm afraid not much time for reading..I did love Nancy Drew though! I finally got around to watching the first Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. during Christmas break. Loved it! I will check out MP theater. Glad you like my title...I have had LOTS of people that liked it. I have to give credit to my sister...she came up with Serial Tiller...I came up with "confessions of" LOL

How exciting!! We tried some wintersowing with milk jugs. .waiting to see how that works out!! Our weather has been warmer than usual as well. .I need to get the purple martin house I was gifted with at Christmas up. .I read the scouts will be along soon!! Enjoy what's left of winter!!

Looks good Jennifer - you should send this link to Connie to show her mom! One of these days when life slows down just a bit - I would like to venture into the things you do like hydroponics. Until then, I will just have to keep watching your fun. :D

Thanks everyone. It has been great fun to "grow" something during winter. I am trialing what works and what doesn't. I'm hoping it helps me have more to trade for the spring swap. I'm anxious for new growth to happen on things like clematis. I'd love to be able to propagate those!

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About Me

I am blessed to tend my mini- Eden near the Alabama/Tennessee state line in southern middle Tennessee (zone 7b). I couldn't have the garden I do without the help of my trusty sidekicks- Glen (aka the husband, hole digger and tractor driver) and our maltipoo Pixie (aka flower trampler, mini hole digger and roller in all things dead) My passion lies in heirloom flowers, roses and anything on the Lowe's clearance rack! I love rooting antique roses from cemeteries/old homes,garden junkin, yard sale-ing and blogging!